Adobe Gallery Blog

During the 1930s when the Depression-era was in full swing, New Mexico Pueblo Indians were severely affected. At Santo Domingo Pueblo (now Kewa Pueblo), the Indians became very resourceful and began producing jewelry from whatever materials they could find. One particular folk art creation they produced has become a very collectible item: the Depression-era necklace. Production continued at a lesser rate into the mid-20th century.

This necklace was made from several "found materials." The beads were made from bone, the black backing probably from automotive battery casing, the red from toothbrush handles or something similar, and the turquoise is genuine. These necklaces were usually in the squash blossom style, with pendants protruding from the sides and a bird pendant at the bottom, as is this one.

The dark green turquoise superimposed over the black casing material displays a rich and wonderful patina against the opaque bone beads that also have assumed a warm and old patina. The Thunderbird pendant is resplendent in all its red and white, particularly the star on the bird's body. This is a very good example of this style necklace.

Condition: very good condition.
Provenance: from a resident of Colorado
Recommended Reading: "Santo Domingo Pueblo Jewelry" by Sally and J. Roderick Moore in The Magazine Antiques, Brant Publications, Inc. July 2009, vol. CLXXVI, no. 1. pp. 56-61.

Subject: Kewa (Santo Domingo) Depression-era Thunderbird Necklace
Jeweler Unknown
Category: Necklaces
Origin: Kewa Pueblo (Santo Domingo)
Medium: bone, turquoise, plastic
Size: 26" long; 2-3/8" x 1-3/4" thunderbird
Item # C3366